64' Substitution

First Half

1 min
Backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, this vital Premiership encounter got off to a lively start. Fulham lined up in a conventional 4-4-2 formation with Brian McBride partnered by Eddie Johnson up front. The American had the home supporters buzzing early on as he looked to get in behind the Everton back line.

10 mins
Simon Davies, lining up against his former side, crafted a fine opening for Fulham when his lofted, outside of the boot pass fell into McBride's path. The American looked to execute a difficult first-time volley which flew wide of Tim Howard's left hand post. Nonetheless it was a bright start for Fulham.

13 minsJohnson's presence up front was giving Fulham a different option in attack as was shown in the 13th minute when his run was almost found by a Danny Murphy through ball after Bullard had linked up well with Murphy. Andy Johnson was withdrawn soon after, having picked up a groin strain. The change forced David Moyes to line up with a 4-5-1 formation.

22 minsDespite not having found a breakthrough, the Whites continued to probe patiently. The visitors were posing greater resistance in their midfield as a result of their formation change but it was their attacking play that seemed to benefit the most from the new line-up.

25 minsGetting forward in more numbers than previously, Everton had their first attempt on goal when Yakubu bundled through a couple of challenges before shooting low from the edge of the area. Kasey Keller produced a routine save.

37 mins
The swirling wind and rain was surprisingly having a limited effect on the game as both sides were opting to play safe passes rather than run the risk of the longer balls. Whilst the Whites were still looking to fashion an opening opportunity, Everton's back line was holding firm, cutting out most through balls and looking strong in the air.

42 mins
Kasey Keller was forced into action in the 42nd minute when a well constructed Everton attacking moved found Yakubu in space on the edge of the area. His fierce shot was parried by Keller into the path of Konchesky.

Second Half

53 mins
A moment of promise for the visiting side came in the 50th minute when Yakubu held of Hughes to play the ball into the path of Arteta whose shot was blocked. The ball fell kindly for Everton and Steven Pienaar looked to be through before the linesman flagged for offside.

58 mins
Brian McBride set Eddie Johnson away for a promising counter attack. Johnson got to the line and his low cross was put behind for a Fulham corner. Jimmy Bullard’s ensuing delivery was met firmly by Johnson who headed just over. That chance prompted Fulham to up their attacking play.

62 minsAnother Jimmy Bullard corner delivery was met at the back post by Simon Davies who was unable to get over the ball. The action rapidly switched to the other end where Phil Neville’s overlapping run was found by Yakubu. The former Manchester United player’s attempted cross was deflected behind for a corner.

67 mins – GOAL FULHAM – McBride
Fulham took the lead in the 67th minute courtesy of Brian McBride’s header – his first goal since sustaining an injury in the home match against Middlesbrough earlier in the season. The move started when Simon Davies received the ball on the left wing inside his own half and proceeded to make good ground down the wing before delivering a fine cross into the box. McBride was waiting and diverted the ball past Howard.

71mins
Following a couple of scares from Everton, Fulham came close to extending their lead when Jimmy Bullard’s cross was cleared only as far as Eddie Johnson whose powerful shot flew just over.

74minsFulham Substitution – Danny Murphy OFF Carlos Bocanegra ON
Roy Hodgson replaced the hard-working Danny Murphy with Carlos Bocanegra. The American defender slotted in at left back with Paul Konchesky moving up to the left side of midfield. With Everton moving Joleon Lescott up front, the aerial strength of Bocanegra was a vital factor.

82 mins
Jimmy Bullard found the run of Simon Davies with a well-placed up-and-over pass. The Welsh winger, in on goal, looking to try an chip Howard, scuffed his shot wide of goal.

85minsFulham Substitution – Jimmy Bullard OFF Moritz Volz ON

87 mins
With Fulham looking to hold out to the final whistle Brede Hangeland rallied the home fans with two consecutive towering defensive headers.

87 minsFulham Substitution – Brian McBride OFF Clint Dempsey ON

88 mins
Fulham sprung forward on the counter-attack and the ball was worked to Eddie Johnson who advanced to the edge of the area before hitting a ferocious shot which arrowed just over the angle of the bar and post.